Auden’S Col Trek, Uttarakhand

Overview

About the Destination: Set at an altitude of 5,490 meters, Auden's Col is one of the high altitude mountain passes in the Garhwal Himalayas that connects the Rudragaira valley and Bhilangana valley. Forming a bridge between the north-west ridge of Gangotri-III and Jogin-I, it reaches an altitude of 5,390m. The trek to Auden's Col is one of the toughest treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region and hence it has been least explored by normal trekkers; a dream for all the ardent trekkers.

The trail passes through the thick alpine forests, meadows dotted with varied species of flowers, gushing streams and cuts through numerous villages. Even being a strenuous trail, the journey is treated with the majestic view of the hulking high peaks like the Rudragaira, Jogin, Bhagirathi and Kedar Dome.

About the Departure with Details:

Auden's Col Trek is filled with Hindu pilgrimage sites and hosts a shrine and views that your eyes can fathom. It takes you through forests, the Himalayan peaks, flower beds and lot more that needs to witnessed and not just read! It will take you through some of the dangerous moraines, narrow cliffs and stony, snaky and twitchy paves. Not just a trek, but an expedition that would rejuvenate and inspire you in everything it offers!

Meal Types: Veg, Non-veg

Activities: Trekking, Camping, Temple Visits

Duration: 15N/16D

Total Trekking Distance: 40, 070 m / 2600 m

Maximum Altitude: 5490m (18,012ft)

Difficulty Level: Challenging

Itinerary

Day 1 - Drive form Ghuttu – Haridwar, Train from Haridwar – Delhi

Tour Ends Here

On the last day of this expedition, start off in a relaxing mode and drive towards Haridwar, from where you can board the Shatabdi Express to reach Delhi by 1045PM.

Day 2 - Drive from Haridwar to Uttarkashi (1,110m) (7 Hours)

Arrival in Haridwar, Leisure Day

After reaching Haridwar, board a vehicle and drive straight to Uttarkashi which is a 7 hour journey; en route, have breakfast. Arriving in Uttarkashi, check-in into a hotel and spent overnight.

Day 3 - Drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri (3,050m)

Bhairon Ghati, Ganga Aarti, Harsil

On this day, you will be driving through Harsil, which is home to the famous 'Wilson Apple' followed by Bhairon Ghati, the course of the Bhairav Ganga river upon which a steel girder bridge overlook a mesmerizing deep gorge. After 4-5 hours of driving, arrive in Gangotri and settle down in a guesthouse. Come evening, visit the ghats and witness the stunning ‘aarti’ ceremony one banks of the holy Ganges.

Day 4 - Acclimatisation Day in Gangotri

Excursion to Kedartal Lake, Bhoj Kharak

Today morning; after breakfast, take an excursion or to be more precise, an acclimatisation walk towards the Kedartal Lake. The route takes you through birch forests and is steep all the way to the small campsite at Bhoj Kharak (3,780m). Post this walk, return to the campsite and spend overnight.

Day 5 - Trek from Gangotri to Nalla Camp (3,760m)

Bhagirathi River, Rudragaira Nalla, Jogin & Kedartal Peaks

The walking trail starts from the true left of the valley and ascends to the Nala Camp. Initially, you will set off on the left of Bhagirathi River and walk for about 30minutes before turning towards the Rudragaira Nalla. The climb is a gradual uphill through pine and birch forests offers glimpses of the lofty Himalayan peaks lilke Jogin and Kedartal; overnight stay will be in camps.

Day 6 - Trek from Nalla Camp to Gangotri-I Base Camp (4,500m)

River Crossing, Rugaira Base Camp, Gangotri-I Base Camp

The day starts with a steep climb to a huge meadow, followed by a river crossing and another steep climb right up to the Rudragaira Base Camp. Hereafter, it continues over the glacial moraine to the Gangotri-I Base Camp, where you will be halting overnight.

Day 7 - A day to acclimatise

Relaxation Day, Stroll around the Campsite

This is the day to relax and get acclimatised with the climatic condition. A bit of sidewalks around the camp will be the main schedule for the day.

The hike for the day is quite challenging and one needs to have high energy level. As you proceed towards the head of the valley with the Gangotri Range (G1, G2 & G3) to the north and the Jogin Group (J1, J2) to the south, the route will get a bit difficult. Once in Auden’s Col, settle down in the camp at the foot of the col for an overnight stay.

Day 9 - Trek from Auden’s Col to Khatling Glacier Camp-I (5,110m)

4-5 Hours Trek, the Jaonli Kedarnath, Jogin & Gangotri Peaks

An early start is a must today as you will be trekking through glaciers. Expect a bit of tricky walk as the climb gets steeper along the way along with offering astounding views of the Khatling Glacier and the Jaonli Kedarnath, Jogin and Gangotri peaks. Arriving at Khatling Glacier camp, relax and retire for the night.

Other Inclusions

7

To and fro train journey between Delhi and Haridwar

7

All accommodations during the tour

7

Accommodations in twin sharing tents, rest houses and hotels

7

All trekking gears and equipment

7

All meals during the trek

7

Experienced guides, camping staff, cooks and their charges

7

Permit fees, sanctuary fees or royalty (wherever applicable)

Things To Carry

7

Comfortable clothes

7

Good quality trekking shoes, slippers and extra pair of socks

7

Sunscreen lotion or any other skin moisturisers

7

Water bottles, trendy backpack and energy bars/snacks

7

A pair of sunglasses and camera

7

Caps or hats

7

Personal toiletries and basic medication (if any)

7

Flash light (with spare batteries)

7

Insect repellent and emergency medical kit

Advisory

7

Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.

7

Pay heed to the tour leaders or instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound experience.

7

Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the tour.

7

Avoid roaming during the nights.

7

Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the tour.

7

The tour takes place through eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites.

7

While visiting the temples, do obey proper dress-code and do not hurt the local sentiments of the places.

About the Destination:
Treat your senses to landscapes that have been a source of inspiration to many an artist! Hidden in the most remote corners of the extensive Kumaon Himalayas are landscapes that are diverse and strikingly beautiful. Visit villages that are significant with regard to mythology and mingle with locals to get a taste of the local life and culture.
Trek through charming rhododendron forests and walk along paths that are lined with colourful flowers, flora and exotic fauna. You will also make your way across wooden bridges and cross over rivers! The Pindari Glacier trek i

About the Destination:
Originating from Dar and trailing to Panchachuli Glacier, this 40km trek is amongst the most sought after treks in the Kumaon Himalayas. Embraced by the sensational beauty of the alpine glaciers, snow-clad mountains and peaks, lush meadows and scenic forests, this moderate graded trek is ideal for beginners to expert trekkers.
With the April-June and September-October as the best season, this Panchachuli base camp climb attains a height of 13,976ft and showcases a myriad list of flora and fauna. Be it during the winters or other seasons, the trek always fascinates i

About the Destination:
Discovered in 1931 by a group of mountaineers on their return journey, the Valley of Flowers is truly a paradise for the trek fanatics. A flat stretch of colourful meadow in the lap of the Himalayas, it is the home to some of the rare and exotic flowers, orchids and seasonal delights.
Spreading around 88km, it attains a height of 3,600m. The Valley of Flowers tour is considered as an easy gradient and is thronged by trekkers from all over the world. The mesmeric beauty and the essence of the Himalayan range has gained Valley of Flowers the stature of being a UNESCO